Winnipeg's search for a new police chief is underway, with the Winnipeg Police Board expected to recommend a candidate to city council by November. The new chief will inherit a police service facing a multitude of challenges, from a record number of calls for service to strained relationships with Indigenous communities.

The police service is facing a growing number of calls for service, with a record backlog of 440 calls on August 31, 2024. This has led to police relying heavily on overtime, which is costly to taxpayers and takes a toll on officers. The police board has called for an increase in the police complement, but this will be a difficult decision for a city facing chronic deficits.

The new chief will also have to tackle the issue of policing a growing number of protests in the city. Police have responded to 415 protests this year, up from a record 299 last year. Some of these protests have been directed at law enforcement, creating challenges for police.

But perhaps the most pressing challenge facing the new chief will be rebuilding trust with Indigenous communities, a relationship that has been strained in recent years. A rise in violent crime in the city and growing retail theft will also add to the challenges facing the new chief.

Former Winnipeg police chief Devon Clunis, who served from 2012 to 2016, warns that the new chief cannot be expected to fix the city's problems alone. He suggests that the new chief focus on rebuilding connection with the community, listening to those with expertise, and speaking out about the realities of what officers are seeing to politicians and business leaders.

Sheila North, a former grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, emphasizes that the new chief should understand the history and trauma of Indigenous people. She believes the ideal candidate would be an Indigenous person who can bring a strong sense of intolerance against racism, bigotry and dismissiveness of marginalized groups.

Abdi Ahmed, co-chair of the Winnipeg Police Accountability Coalition, wants a new chief who can balance the trust of the officers they lead with the trust of the people they serve. He emphasizes the importance of a chief who values getting trust from the community as being equal to getting trust from their own officers.

Whoever is chosen, the new chief will face a difficult task. They will need to be a strong leader with a clear vision for the future of the Winnipeg Police Service, someone who can navigate complex issues, build trust with the community, and address the root causes of crime. The success of the new chief will depend on their ability to work collaboratively with community partners and to build a police service that is both effective and accountable.

A New Era of Policing: Can the Next Chief Bridge the Divide?

The appointment of a new police chief in Winnipeg marks a turning point for the city. It is an opportunity to address the challenges facing the police service and to build a stronger, safer community for everyone. The new chief will need to be a skilled leader with a deep understanding of the community and its challenges. They will need to be able to build trust with the community, address the root causes of crime, and work collaboratively with partners to create a more equitable and just city.

The next police chief will need to be more than just a law enforcement officer; they will need to be a leader who can bring people together and build a brighter future for Winnipeg.